The manager merry-go-round is now in full swing, with a number of different clubs on the look-out for a new boss following poor starts to the 2012/13 campaign. Among those is League One side AFC Bournemouth who yesterday (Thursday) made an official, yet “unwanted”, approach to Burnley for manager Eddie Howe. The former Cherries boss is now looking increasingly likely to make a return to the south coast, and could be set to join the Cherries within the next few days. As a result the Next Burnley Manager Market has opened up, with former boss Owen Coyle the early favourite.
Coyle was sacked by Bolton earlier this week following a disappointing start to the season. The Trotters were the Championship’s ante-post favourites for promotion but Coyle ultimately paid the price for a below-par opening period, with the club hovering dangerously above the relegation zone after 10 matches. Now the rumour mill is speculating that Coyle could be in line to make a dramatic return to Burnley, less than three years after ditching them for Bolton.
Coyle managed the Clarets between 2007 and 2010, leading them into the Premier League in the summer of 2009. However, less than five months into the new season he suddenly departed to take charge of Lancashire rivals Bolton, much to the fury of Burnley supporters who labelled him a money-grabbing Judas. Just a few weeks later Coyle rubbed salt into the wounds by claiming his first league win....ironically against his former club. The majority of supporters will no doubt still be bitter about the way Coyle treated the club, making a return unlikely, although he may feel he has unfinished business at Turf Moor...
